Plan To Reconfigure UN Presence In Kosovo

Plan To Reconfigure UN Presence In Kosovo ‘Least Objectionable’ Option – Ban

New York, Jun 13 2008 10:00AM

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today that while his proposal to reconfigure the world body’s presence in Kosovo, so as to give the European Union an enhanced role, may not please everyone, it was the “least objectionable” option.

“I am well aware that this package may not fully satisfy all sides,” Mr. Ban told reporters in London after his meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

“Yet it is my honest belief, after considerable time discussing this issue with all concerned parties, that what I have proposed will prove to be the least objectionable course to all, and can offer us a way forward,” he added.

In the wake of Kosovo’s decision earlier this year to declare its independence from Serbia, Mr. Ban has submitted to the Security Council plans to adjust the mandate of the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK).

Under his proposal, the European Union would play an enhanced operational role in the rule of law area under a UN “umbrella” headed by his Special Representative, in line with the original 1999 resolution that established the mission.

The Secretary-General has written to both President Boris Tadic in Belgrade and Fatmir Sejdiu in Pristina to inform them of the plans.

Mr. Ban said he discussed the proposals with Prime Minister Brown today, as well as with other key stakeholders yesterday while in Paris for the International Conference in Support of Afghanistan.

“My aim has been to pursue a modus Vivendi that is acceptable to the parties and would be supported by the key international stakeholders; I sincerely believe that this package achieves that goal,” the Secretary-General stated.

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